Tomorrow (Wednesday, March 1), an Iowa committee is considering a bill that would prohibit homeowner’s and renter’s insurance providers from refusing or cancelling coverage or increasing premiums based solely on the breed of dog owned by the policy holder. All responsible dog owners and breeders in Iowa are encouraged to contact the House Commerce Committee […]

The American Kennel Club applauds Ohio Representative Barbara Sears of Lucas County for introducing House Bill 79, which removes "pit bull" from Ohio's statutory definition of dangerous dogs.  Ohio is currently the only state to have enacted statewide breed-specific legislation.  The current law states that if a dog "belongs to a breed that is commonly […]

Texas House Bill 604 seeks to require animal shelters and releasing agencies, including animal rescue organizations, to scan an animal for a microchip as soon as practicable after the animal is placed in their custody.  The American Kennel Club supports this measure and believes it will help return lost or at-large animals efficiently to their […]

Texas continues its third special session of the year, and now four bills relating to tethering are pending in the House State Affairs Committee: Senate Bill 5 and its companion House Bills 34, 70, and 104 are very similar to Senate Bill 474, which was passed but then vetoed by the governor during the state’s […]

This week, an Iowa subcommittee advanced House Bill 2016, which expands and clarifies laws pertaining to dog ownership. The bill is expected to be considered by the House Judiciary Committee on Monday, January 26 at 4pm. AKC encourages Iowa dog owners to contact the committee in support of House File 2016, a bill drafted with […]

The Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners reports the following: On March 24, 2004, H4537 was voted out of the Steering Committee and sent to the House floor listed with low priority, not requiring a vote for approval. Rep. James Eldridge (D, Acton) blocked it so the next […]

Two dog-related bills will be considered by Rhode Island legislative committees tomorrow, Wednesday, February 11, 2026.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) opposes House Bill 7545, which seeks to allow the awarding of non-economic damages to owners whose pets have been negligently injured or killed.  AKC takes no position on House Bill 7562, which seeks to […]

UPDATE: HEARING CANCELED ----------------------------------------------------- On Tuesday, March 17, the Minnesota House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Division will be considering House File 3369, which seeks to prohibit the sale of dogs and cats by retail pet shops, is scheduled to be considered by the Minnesota House Committee on Commerce on Tuesday, March 3, 2020.  The […]

Dog owners in Florida are urged to take action in support of a bill that would remove an exemption under current state law that allows local breed specific ordinances enacted prior to October 1, 1990 to remain in force. This provision is included in CS 1/HB 721 , a bill that seeks to allow a […]

The Ohio House of Representatives Economic Development, Commerce, and Labor Committee is scheduled to hold a public hearing on Tuesday, November 28, on a bill that would allow dogs in outdoor eating establishments, with permission from the business owner.